United planes to fly on advanced biofuel

A United Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner taxis to a gate at O’Hare International Airport. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

United Airlines on Tuesday announced it has committed to buy at least 15 million gallons of cleaner-burning renewable jet fuel from a Los Angeles-based refinery, marking a potentially major breakthrough in the commercial aviation industry’s quest to pare carbon dioxide emissions.

United is planning to use the advanced biofuel on flights out of its Los Angeles hub beginning next year.

Under the deal, AltAir Fuels will retrofit idled portions of a Los Angeles petroleum refinery to produce the low-carbon renewable jet fuel and other products from non-edible natural oils and agricultural wastes. Once the project goes online, it is expected to be the first refinery in the nation capable of in-line production of both diesel and drop-in replacements for petroleum-based jet fuels.

“This project demonstrates the practical efficiencies these fuels allow by fully integrating into an operating petroleum refinery,” said AltAir’s president Bryan Sherbacow in a statement. “The industry is delivering on the promise of commercial production of advanced biofuels that move beyond additives, like ethanol and biodiesel, to drop-in replacement low-carbon fuels.”

AltAir will produce the biofuel using technology developed by Honeywell UOP. The product is engineered to provide the same performance as conventional, petroleum-based jet fuel, allowing it to be dropped in to existing equipment and used by factory-standard engines without modifications. According to United, the renewable jet fuel supplied by AltAir is expected to slash greenhouse gas emissions in half over its entire lifecycle, from production to combustion.

Jimmy Samartzis, United’s managing director for global environmental affairs and sustainability said the agreement underscores the company’s commitment “to be a leader in alternative fuels.”

United did not say the value of the deal with AltAir, but the company said it was buying the advanced biofuel at a price competitive with traditional, petroleum-based jet fuel.

AltAir expects to have the capacity to produce 30 million gallons of advanced biofuels and chemicals per year from the Los Angeles refinery, after retrofits are complete.

AltAir’s CEO Tom Todaro called the development a major breakthrough.

“We cannot overestimate how important this milestone is for the commercialization of sustainable aviation biofuels,” Todaro said in a statement.

With AltAir’s retrofits, the Los Angeles refinery is set to become the first commercial-scale producer of renewable jet fuel in the world.

David Holt, president of the Consumer Energy Alliance, praised the venture. “As a large consumer of energy, the airline industry understands the need for an all of the above approach to energy production and the new United-led effort is a step in the right direction to help diversify sources of domestic energy supply for travelers and shippers,” Holt said.

United’s announcement comes on the heels of similar moves by other airlines, as the industry seeks to trim its emissions. Last month, Airbus SAS and Air Canada agreed to work with BioFuelNet Canada on studying options for producing biofuel for use in the sky.

Four years ago, the International Air Transport Association pledged to cut its carbon dioxide emissions in half by 2050, based on 2005 levels. The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group, which includes United as a member, also has pledged to pursue drop-in biofuels for aviation.

People look at the second Solar Impulse 2 solar-powered plane to be used for a round-the-world voyage next year, during its unveiling in Switzerland on April 9, 2014.

People look at the second Solar Impulse 2 solar-powered plane to be used for a round-the-world voyage next year, during its unveiling in Switzerland on April 9, 2014.

Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP/Getty Images

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In 2015, the Solar Impulse 2 is due to make the first round-the-world solar flight, day and night without any fuel. This revolutionary single-seater aircraft made of carbon fibre has a 236 ft wingspan -- larger than that of the Boeing 747-8I -- and weighs as much as a car (5,000 pounds). less

In 2015, the Solar Impulse 2 is due to make the first round-the-world solar flight, day and night without any fuel. This revolutionary single-seater aircraft made of carbon fibre has a 236 ft wingspan -- ... more

Photo: Jean Revillard / Associated Press

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The Solar Impulse flies over Switzerland in 2011.

The Solar Impulse flies over Switzerland in 2011.

Photo: Jean Revillard / Solar Impulse

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The Solar Impulse flies over mountains in Switzerland in 2010.

The Solar Impulse flies over mountains in Switzerland in 2010.

Photo: Jean Revillard / Solar Impulse

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People look at the Solar Impulse 2 solar-powered plane to be used for a round-the-world voyage, during its unveiling in Switzerland on April 9, 2014.

People look at the Solar Impulse 2 solar-powered plane to be used for a round-the-world voyage, during its unveiling in Switzerland on April 9, 2014.

Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP/Getty Images

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People look at the Solar Impulse 2 solar-powered plane to be used for a round-the-world voyage next year, during its unveiling in Payerne, on April 9, 2014.

People look at the Solar Impulse 2 solar-powered plane to be used for a round-the-world voyage next year, during its unveiling in Payerne, on April 9, 2014.

Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP/Getty Images

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Solar Impulse Godfather Prince Albert of Monaco speaks in front of the new experimental aircraft "Solar Impulse 2" during the official presentation at the airbase in Payerne, Switzerland on Wednesday, April 9, 2014. less

Solar Impulse Godfather Prince Albert of Monaco speaks in front of the new experimental aircraft "Solar Impulse 2" during the official presentation at the airbase in Payerne, Switzerland on Wednesday, April ... more

Photo: Laurent Gillieron / Associated Press

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The Solar Impulse prepares for takeoff to Rabat, Morocco in 2012.

The Solar Impulse prepares for takeoff to Rabat, Morocco in 2012.

Photo: Jean Revillard / Solar Impulse

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The Solar Impulse flies over mountains in Switzerland in 2010.

The Solar Impulse flies over mountains in Switzerland in 2010.

Photo: Jean Revillard / Solar Impulse

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Solar Impulse's CEO and pilot Andre Borschberg (right) and Solar Impulse's founder, chairman and pilot Bertrand Piccard (left) speak in front of the new experimental aircraft "Solar Impulse 2", during the official unveiling at the airbase in Payerne, Switzerland, Wednesday, April 9, 2014. less

Solar Impulse's CEO and pilot Andre Borschberg (right) and Solar Impulse's founder, chairman and pilot Bertrand Piccard (left) speak in front of the new experimental aircraft "Solar Impulse 2", during the ... more

Photo: Laurent Gillieron / Associated Press

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Swiss pilots Bertrand Piccard (left) and Andre Borschberg, who flew the Solar Impulse experimental solar-powered plane on a transcontinental trip, pose in front of their second solar-powered plane, which they aim to take on a round-the-world voyage next year. less

Swiss pilots Bertrand Piccard (left) and Andre Borschberg, who flew the Solar Impulse experimental solar-powered plane on a transcontinental trip, pose in front of their second solar-powered plane, which they ... more

Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP/Getty Images

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Swiss pioneers Bertrand Piccard (left) and Andre Borschberg are the founders, pilots and life force behind Solar Impulse 2. In 2015 the plane is due to make the first round-the-world solar flight, day and night without any fuel. This revolutionary single-seater aircraft made of carbon fibre has a 236 ft (72 meter) wingspan (larger than that of the Boeing 747-8I) and weighs the same as a car (5,000 lbs. or 2,300 Kg). The 17,000 solar cell, built into the wing, supply four electric motors (17.5 CV each). During the day, the solar cells recharge lithium batteries weighing 2077 lbs. (633 Kg), which allow the aircraft to fly at night. Each pilot will fly for 4-5 days. They will need 2.4 kg of food, 2.5 l of water and 1l of sports drink per day: additional weight that needs to be carefully calculated by the Solar Impulse team. In case of an emergency, the pilot seat has an integrated parachute and life raft. (Jean Revillard for Solar Impulse 2 via AP Images) less

Swiss pioneers Bertrand Piccard (left) and Andre Borschberg are the founders, pilots and life force behind Solar Impulse 2. In 2015 the plane is due to make the first round-the-world solar flight, day and ... more

Photo: Jean Revillard / Associated Press

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The Solar Impulse flies near the Eiffel Tower in Paris in 2011.

The Solar Impulse flies near the Eiffel Tower in Paris in 2011.

Photo: Jean Revillard / Solar Impulse

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Prince Albert II of Monaco delivers a speech during the unveiling by Swiss pilots Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg of the second Solar Impulse solar-powered plane, the HB-SIB, which they aim to take on a round-the-world voyage next year. AFP PHOTO / FABRICE COFFRINIFABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images less

Prince Albert II of Monaco delivers a speech during the unveiling by Swiss pilots Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg of the second Solar Impulse solar-powered plane, the HB-SIB, which they aim to take on a ... more

Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP/Getty Images

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The Solar Impulse solar-powered plane is displayed in a hangar at Moffett Field on March 28, 2013 in Mountain View, California. The Solar Impulse has already made international and intercontinental flights in Europe and Africa. less

The Solar Impulse solar-powered plane is displayed in a hangar at Moffett Field on March 28, 2013 in Mountain View, California. The Solar Impulse has already made international and intercontinental flights in ... more

Photo: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

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The Solar Impulse solar-powered plane is displayed in a hangar at Moffett Field in March 2013 in Mountain View, California. The Solar Impulse has already made international and intercontinental flights in Europe and Africa. less

The Solar Impulse solar-powered plane is displayed in a hangar at Moffett Field in March 2013 in Mountain View, California. The Solar Impulse has already made international and intercontinental flights in ... more

Photo: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

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Solar panels sit on the wing of the Solar Impulse plane at Moffett Field in Mountain View, California. The Solar Impulse has already made international and intercontinental flights in Europe and Africa.

Solar panels sit on the wing of the Solar Impulse plane at Moffett Field in Mountain View, California. The Solar Impulse has already made international and intercontinental flights in Europe and Africa.

Photo: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

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The Solar Impulse solar-powered plane is displayed in a hangar at Moffett Field on March 28, 2013 in Mountain View, California. The Solar Impulse has already made international and intercontinental flights in Europe and Africa. less

The Solar Impulse solar-powered plane is displayed in a hangar at Moffett Field on March 28, 2013 in Mountain View, California. The Solar Impulse has already made international and intercontinental flights in ... more

Photo: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

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The Solar Impulse solar powered plane is displayed in a hangar at Moffett Field on March 28, 2013 in Mountain View, California. The Solar Impulse has already made international and intercontinental flights in Europe and Africa. less

The Solar Impulse solar powered plane is displayed in a hangar at Moffett Field on March 28, 2013 in Mountain View, California. The Solar Impulse has already made international and intercontinental flights in ... more

Photo: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

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Solar Impulse Chairman and pilot Bertrand Piccard speaks during a press conference at Moffett Field on March 28, 2013 in Mountain View, California. The Solar Impulse has already made international and intercontinental flights in Europe and Africa. less

Solar Impulse Chairman and pilot Bertrand Piccard speaks during a press conference at Moffett Field on March 28, 2013 in Mountain View, California. The Solar Impulse has already made international and ... more

Photo: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

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Solar Impulse founder and pilot Bertrand Piccard addresses a press conference at the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California on Thursday, March 28, 2013. The Solar Impulse project aims to fly an aircraft around the world using only solar energy. less

Solar Impulse founder and pilot Bertrand Piccard addresses a press conference at the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California on Thursday, March 28, 2013. The Solar Impulse project aims to fly an ... more

Photo: JOSH EDELSON / AFP/Getty Images

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The Solar Impulse plane takes off on a multi-city trip across the United States from Moffett Field NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, Calif., Friday, May 3, 2013. Solar Impulse, considered the world's most advanced solar-powered plane, will stop for seven to 10 days at major airports in each city, so the pilots can display and discuss the aircraft with reporters, students, engineers and aviation fans. It plans to reach New York's Kennedy Airport in early July — without using a drop of fuel, its creators said. less

The Solar Impulse plane takes off on a multi-city trip across the United States from Moffett Field NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, Calif., Friday, May 3, 2013. Solar Impulse, considered the world's ... more

Photo: Tony Avelar

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ABB is announcing that it is a new sponsor of Solar Impulse, a solar plane pioneer, and that Solar Impulse will be rolling out a new solar plane on Wednesday. With this plane, these record-setting investors are setting out to circumnavigate the globe, flying night and day, with all power generated by sunlight. (PRNewsFoto/ABB) less

ABB is announcing that it is a new sponsor of Solar Impulse, a solar plane pioneer, and that Solar Impulse will be rolling out a new solar plane on Wednesday. With this plane, these record-setting investors ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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The Solar Impulse plane sits on the tarmac early in the morning before takes off on a multi-city trip across the United States from Moffett Field NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, Calif., Friday, May 3, 2013. Solar Impulse, considered the world's most advanced solar-powered plane, will stop for seven to 10 days at major airports in each city, so the pilots can display and discuss the aircraft with reporters, students, engineers and aviation fans. It plans to reach New York's Kennedy Airport in early July — without using a drop of fuel, its creators said. less

The Solar Impulse plane sits on the tarmac early in the morning before takes off on a multi-city trip across the United States from Moffett Field NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, Calif., Friday, May ... more

Photo: Tony Avelar

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The Solar Impulse pilot Bertrand Piccard, left, enters the cockpit before taking off to embark on a multi-city trip across the United States from Moffett Field NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, Calif., Friday, May 3, 2013. Solar Impulse, considered the world's most advanced solar-powered plane, will stop for seven to 10 days at major airports in each city, so the pilots can display and discuss the aircraft with reporters, students, engineers and aviation fans. It plans to reach New York's Kennedy Airport in early July — without using a drop of fuel, its creators said. less

The Solar Impulse pilot Bertrand Piccard, left, enters the cockpit before taking off to embark on a multi-city trip across the United States from Moffett Field NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, ... more

Photo: Tony Avelar

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Pilots Bertrand Piccard, right, and André Borschberg, left shake hands before the Solar Impulse plane takes off to embark on a multi-city trip across the United States from Moffett Field NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, Calif., Friday, May 3, 2013. Solar Impulse, considered the world's most advanced solar-powered plane, will stop for seven to 10 days at major airports in each city, so the pilots can display and discuss the aircraft with reporters, students, engineers and aviation fans. It plans to reach New York's Kennedy Airport in early July — without using a drop of fuel, its creators said. less

Pilots Bertrand Piccard, right, and André Borschberg, left shake hands before the Solar Impulse plane takes off to embark on a multi-city trip across the United States from Moffett Field NASA Ames Research ... more

Photo: Tony Avelar

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Bertrand Piccard, pilot of the Solar Impulse plane, speaks to reporters before taking off on a multi-city trip across the United States from Moffett Field NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, Calif., Friday, May 3, 2013. Solar Impulse, considered the world's most advanced solar-powered plane, will stop for seven to 10 days at major airports in each city, so the pilots can display and discuss the aircraft with reporters, students, engineers and aviation fans. It plans to reach New York's Kennedy Airport in early July — without using a drop of fuel, its creators said. Photo: less

Bertrand Piccard, pilot of the Solar Impulse plane, speaks to reporters before taking off on a multi-city trip across the United States from Moffett Field NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, Calif., ... more

Photo: Tony Avelar

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Bertrand Piccard, pilot of the Solar Impulse plane, takes off on a multi-city trip across the United States from Moffett Field NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, Calif., Friday, May 3, 2013. Solar Impulse, considered the world's most advanced solar-powered plane, will stop for seven to 10 days at major airports in each city, so the pilots can display and discuss the aircraft with reporters, students, engineers and aviation fans. It plans to reach New York's Kennedy Airport in early July — without using a drop of fuel, its creators said. less

Bertrand Piccard, pilot of the Solar Impulse plane, takes off on a multi-city trip across the United States from Moffett Field NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, Calif., Friday, May 3, 2013. Solar ... more

Photo: Tony Avelar

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The Solar Impulse is displayed in a hangar at Moffett Field on March 28, 2013 in Mountain View, Calif.

The Solar Impulse is displayed in a hangar at Moffett Field on March 28, 2013 in Mountain View, Calif.

Photo: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

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The Solar Impulse has already made international and intercontinental flights in Europe and Africa.

The Solar Impulse has already made international and intercontinental flights in Europe and Africa.

Photo: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

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Solar panels sit on the wing of the Solar Impulse at Moffett Field on March 28, 2013 in Mountain View, Calif.

Solar panels sit on the wing of the Solar Impulse at Moffett Field on March 28, 2013 in Mountain View, Calif.

Photo: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

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The Solar Impulse will begin test flights around the San Francisco Bay Area ahead of a planned flight across the United States later this year.

The Solar Impulse will begin test flights around the San Francisco Bay Area ahead of a planned flight across the United States later this year.

Photo: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

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The media and officials get a closer look at the all-solar plane at Moffett Field in Mountain View, Calif.

The media and officials get a closer look at the all-solar plane at Moffett Field in Mountain View, Calif.

The solar impulse begins evening flight as the sun sets over Switzerland in 2010.

The solar impulse begins evening flight as the sun sets over Switzerland in 2010.

Photo: Fabrice Coffrini / Solar Impulse

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The Solar Impulse prepares for a second-attempt flight to Ouarzazate, Morocco in 2012.

The Solar Impulse prepares for a second-attempt flight to Ouarzazate, Morocco in 2012.

Photo: Jean Revillard / Solar Impulse

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Solar Impulse in Switzerland in 2011.

Solar Impulse in Switzerland in 2011.

Photo: Fred Merz / Solar Impulse

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Pilots are surrounded by media after a successful night flight in the Solar Impulse in July 2010 in Switzerland

Pilots are surrounded by media after a successful night flight in the Solar Impulse in July 2010 in Switzerland

Photo: Stéphane Gros / Solar Impulse

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The cockpit of the Solar Impulse.

The cockpit of the Solar Impulse.

Photo: Jean Revillard / Solar Impulse

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Engineers disassemble a wing of the Solar Impulse in Switzerland in 2013.

Engineers disassemble a wing of the Solar Impulse in Switzerland in 2013.

Photo: Jean Revillard / Solar Impulse

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A wing of the Solar Impulse is loaded onto a Boeing 747 in Payerne, Switzerland in February 2013. The plane was heading to California to prepare for a cross-country flight this spring.

A wing of the Solar Impulse is loaded onto a Boeing 747 in Payerne, Switzerland in February 2013. The plane was heading to California to prepare for a cross-country flight this spring.

Photo: Niels Ackermann / Solar Impulse

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Engineers position a wing of the Solar Impulse inside the belly of Boeing 747 in Payerne, Switzerland in February 2013. The plane was flown to California, where it is now preparing to make a cross-country flight. less

Engineers position a wing of the Solar Impulse inside the belly of Boeing 747 in Payerne, Switzerland in February 2013. The plane was flown to California, where it is now preparing to make a cross-country ... more

Photo: Niels Ackermann / Solar Impulse

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Engineers work on the wing of the Solar Impulse in Switzerland in 2009.

Engineers work on the wing of the Solar Impulse in Switzerland in 2009.

Photo: Stéphane Gros / Solar Impulse

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An engineer works on the solar cells for the Solar Impulse in Switzerland in 2008.

An engineer works on the solar cells for the Solar Impulse in Switzerland in 2008.

Photo: Stéphane Gros / Solar Impulse

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Engineers test the Solar Impulse plane in Switzerland in 2010.

Engineers test the Solar Impulse plane in Switzerland in 2010.

Photo: Stéphane Gros / Solar Impulse

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An engine used for the Solar Impulse plane.

An engine used for the Solar Impulse plane.

Photo: Stéphane Gros / Solar Impulse

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An engineer works on the propeller of the Solar Impulse in Switzerland in 2009.

An engineer works on the propeller of the Solar Impulse in Switzerland in 2009.

Photo: Stéphane Gros / Solar Impulse

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Solar Impulse at the Brussels Airport in 2011.

Solar Impulse at the Brussels Airport in 2011.

Photo: Jean Revillard / Solar Impulse

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The Solar Impulse in Fuselage, Switzerland in 2009.

The Solar Impulse in Fuselage, Switzerland in 2009.

Photo: Solar Impulse

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Pilot Andre Borschberg is welcomed back on the ground after a successful 26-hour non-stop flight over Switzerland in July 2010.

Pilot Andre Borschberg is welcomed back on the ground after a successful 26-hour non-stop flight over Switzerland in July 2010.

Photo: Dominique Favre / Solar Impulse

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Pilot Andre Borschberg is welcomed back on the ground after a successful 26-hour non-stop flight over Switzerland in July 2010.

Pilot Andre Borschberg is welcomed back on the ground after a successful 26-hour non-stop flight over Switzerland in July 2010.

Photo: Solar Impulse

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Bertrand Piccard in the cockpit before take-off on 2012 flight from Rabat, Morocco to Madrid, Spain.

Bertrand Piccard in the cockpit before take-off on 2012 flight from Rabat, Morocco to Madrid, Spain.

Photo: Jean Revillard / Solar Impulse

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The Solar Impulse team welcomes back the plane in Payerne, Switzerland in July 2011.

The Solar Impulse team welcomes back the plane in Payerne, Switzerland in July 2011.